"I ask all hospitals to use domestic products. Please use qualified local medical device products that have received permission from the health authority," Pranowo said while attending the anniversary event of Dr. Moewardi Hospital in Surakarta, Central Java, on Saturday.
The use of local medical devices is also important to stimulate the domestic industry, he explained.
"With many hospitals and health services using local health products, local industries will emerge and develop their business," he said.
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Pranowo also expressed his gratitude to all health workers, including doctors, nurses, and all workers who are struggling to help the government in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.
"For two years, everyone has worked hard to help the community during these difficult times. On behalf of myself, my family, and the government, I extend my deepest condolences to the health workers who have died on duty while handling the COVID-19. I thank you for your hard work," he remarked.
Pranowo said that he has been following the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by traveling to all areas in Central Java and all hospitals to check their readiness while ensuring optimal handling for patients.
"Including Moewardi hospital, as one of the hospital referrals, which overfilled with COVID-19 patients during the second wave in July–August 2021. Thank God, today, the COVID-19 cases have started to decrease. However, we must remain vigilant in anticipating an increase due to the new variant called Omicron," he added.
Earlier, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir had also pushed the development of herbal medicines in an effort to minimize medicine imports.
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Translator: Wisnu Adhi, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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